Bok assistant Davids confident goal-kicking won't be an issue in Kolbe's absence

In London

Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids is confident that the likes of Faf de Klerk, Manie Libbok and Damian Willemse will more than fill the goal-kicking void left by Cheslin Kolbe in Saturday's Test against England at Twickenham.

At the start of the tour, the goal-kicking matter reared its ugly head and bit the Boks badly in their 19-16 defeat against Ireland in Dublin on 5 November.

That department came right in the next two Tests against France and Italy where the kickers found their bearings.

Libbok, in particular, slammed five out of six conversions in last week's 63-21 win against Italy in Genoa and was immediately handed the kicking duties when he replaced Cheslin Kolbe in the 46th minute.

Kicking has always been a factor in Twickenham Tests between the Boks and England since 1992, with the team with the more accurate kicker prevailing.

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Davids said they've built depth and versatility in that department after early tour flutters caused by the absences of Handre Pollard, Elton Jantjies, and Frans Steyn.

"At this stage, with the games that we've played and the players that we've used with Faf, we've actually developed versatility in that department," Davids said.

"They were all successful and fortunately we have a guy like Manie who is available and is known for his kicking.

"In terms of what we want to do in terms of strategy and how we want to play the game, we're certain that guys like Faf, Manie, and Damian can do the job for us."

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With the Test match taking place outside of World Rugby's international window, the Boks have had